Take a Book and Leave a Book

Little Free Library Comes to Argyle

The North Texas Book Festival, Inc. www.ntbf.org is promoting the Little Free Library in Argyle. The NTBF, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that encourages literacy and raises funds for school libraries, public libraries, and literacy programs in Denton County. The Little Free Library, a national organization, also promotes literacy and the love of reading.

When Argyle resident Karen Kiel contacted Lynn Sheffield Simmons, founder of the North Texas Book Festival, with the idea of Argyle residents exchanging books through the Little Free Library, Lynn received the NTBF board members approval to endorse the project and to pay the membership fee for 10 Little Free Libraries. The Little Free Library membership includes brochures, a wooden plaque/sign made of reclaimed wood from 100-year-old barns in the heart of Wisconsin’s Amish country and the sign reads Little Free Library along with a membership number. The membership also includes a dot on the United States map on the Little Free Library web site showing where the library is located. www.littlefreelibrary.org

Dave and Kathy Salisbury of The Real Estate Station on U.S. Highway 377 and Dallas Street volunteered to erect the first Little Free Library. The North Texas Book Festival, Inc. donated the membership and Karen’s husband, John Kiel, designed the Little Free Library donating it to the North Texas Book Festival, Inc.
The Little Free Library will be put up at the side of the Real Estate Station on Dallas Street. The two-shelf structure will hold adult books-mysteries, romance, history, cookbooks, and different genres on the bottom shelf, and children’s books on the top shelf. Those wanting to read a particular book or books return one for each one taken.

“We were honored when we were asked to be the first location for the Little Free Library in Argyle. Without a library in town this is the perfect venue for reading and exchanging books. Promoting literacy at a time when “hand held technology” vies for our attention reading is so important for children and adults alike. We welcome people to participate in exchanging books here at The Real Estate Station, and even relax on our outdoor patio if it’s a nice day. We always have free drinks! Being Argyle residents ourselves and owning a business in town drives our passion to give back to the community and make Argyle the best place to live!” said Dave and Kathy Salisbury, owners of The Real Estate Station.

The North Texas Book Festival, Inc. is accepting book donations and is asking residents to volunteer to help with the Little Free Library. Residents who would like to design their own and erect it on their property or business, or hire John Kiel to build one, please contact Lynn Sheffield Simmons at 940-464-3368 for more information. Patty Smith is the Program Coordinator.

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